Last stop, San Antonio, Texas

I never expected San Antonio in Texas to upstage the other cities like Minneapolis, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles and Birmingham, Alabama in terms of singing talents. And I was right.

Yes, out of the 11,000 there were a handful who displayed some promise that they may eventually make it to the last 12. Now, if I were a betting man, I would put my money on first, Baylie Brown from Krum, Texas.

There are several reasons for looking a bit longer in her direction. First, she comes across as someone who may just have a reservoir of talent yet unrevealed. I know one audition, two-minute long, does not qualify any person for going the distance, but Baylie Brown has got something that others don't have - innocence.

She claimed that she's basically a city girl stuck in a small town. That's kid talk and we the adults know it. The way she said it though made her an almost instant darling among us who can spot someone who is likely to endear herself to us in future elimination rounds.

If Baylie continues to use her vocal chords to their maximum effect, she's going to win over the judges' hearts, and maybe even their minds. Right now, I don't really care if she sounds "commercial".

This is television land and "baby looks" can win prizes. Baylie Brown has that wide-eyed look that most of us like very much because most of us have lost that look years ago.

If she makes it to the last 12, I am going to root for her.
The other contestant who caught my eye was Haley Scarnato. She sounded loud but it was her first audition in front of Hollywood big names, so she might have accidentally tuned up her voice box a little too tight.

But she definitely sounded much better than most of the others who came to entertain us at home. Haley at 15 exhibited an awesome set of vocals. Normally, the moment a participant opens his mouth, you will know within 10 seconds whether that person is going to make it.

In Haley's case, it was obvious she will make it despite the fact that the three judges were a little reserved in their judgement. I suspect once she gets going, she's going to be better than all right.

American Idol contest is also a test of nerves for most people. Those who can keep her anxiety in check would have won 40 per cent of the "battle". A good singer sometimes falters because sheer, uncontrolleable nervousness spoils a good voice.
Confidence is a precious commodity. Haley Scarnato will go far, depending on how Fate plays the game with her.

Jimmy McNeal comes across as a very likeable person. With seasoned music record producers Simon and Randy Jackson, this quality is very important. If you have the misfortune of being crass or haughty, it's not going to help your cause.

Jimmy was clearly having some fun of his own when he walked into the audition room. Yes, he may come across as a little Ruben but as far as TV viewers are concerned, he just obtained a high scoring mark. Kudos to him.

I would not like to pronounce that the chances of Jimmy McNeal going right to the last 24 are high, because in his case I am not sure. Perhaps. Who knows? But among the three names I have just mentioned, the one who has the most potential to sight the finishing line will be Baylie Brown.

Let's hope I am not wrong. Hollywood is not easily pleased or amused by people who stumble and falter in the early, crucial stages of the contest. The American Idol contest is as much a singing competition as it is a PR campaign.

It's how you project yourself. If you don't give off the right vibes, you can pay a heavy penalty when it comes to the important stages. I am sure Katharine McFee knows all about it.